Community News from Voluntary Action South West Surrey

Published on: 25 Oct, 2026
Updated on: 25 Oct, 2026

Compiled by David Rose

Voluntary Action South West Surrey gives help and advice to people who are looking to volunteer their time, while it also supports voluntary groups, community groups, charities and social enterprises. It is the Council for Voluntary Service for Guildford and Waverley.

Here are a selection of current volunteer opportunities, services offered, events and more…

Volunteers needed at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care’s shop in Guildford

Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care’s shop in High Street, Guildford.

The charity’s voluntary service manager, Julia Morpeth, says: “If you love meeting people, have a particular interest in art, antiques or upcycling, or are looking for a volunteering role to boost your CV or help you get back into the workplace after some time off, this would be the perfect role.

“You’ll also know that you’re helping to support a vital local charity. All of the money raised by Phyllis Tuckwell’s shops goes directly towards helping fund the palliative and end of life care that it provides for local patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness.

“Our volunteers are hugely important to us, and we really value the time, knowledge and experience that they so generously give to our organisation. We provide them with initial and ongoing training and support, and make sure they feel welcomed.”

To find out more, email voluntary.services@pth.org.uk, call 01252 729400 or visit voluntary.services@pth.org.uk,

Action for Carers’ extended hours of support

Action for Carers supports unpaid carers across Surrey, by phone, through face-to-face meetings, workshops and training.

This includes information on services, rights and benefits, guidance on moving and handling (including back care), advocacy, and other practical and emotional help.

It also runs many free events, from information sessions to wellbeing activities, and carer support groups, across Surrey, including at its eight hubs, plus a broad programme of online events.

There’s also specialist help for young carers aged five to 15, and young adults aged 16 to 25. It has a team working in Surrey’s hospitals, and specialist support for carers looking after someone with poor mental health. It also supports and trains health, social and education professionals.

It has expanded its hours to better support working carers, and this October and November is running events to inform them on their rights in the workplace, and around financial help.

Its helpline is now open until 7.30pm, Monday to Thursday and on Saturday mornings, and the charity has extended its already comprehensive range of events to offer even more in the evenings as well as Saturdays – both online and face-to-face at locations across Surrey.

Click here for its website.

Armed service veterans invited to Remembrance Sunday lunch

Armed services veterans are invited to a Remembrance Sunday lunch at the Silverbirch Care Home in Worplesdon, on Sunday, November 8, at 12.30pm. To book, phone its home services advisor Julie Shaw on 01483 966570.

A warm welcome awaits all at the Aggie Café & Community Hub

The community hub and events co-ordinator, Heather Yarrow, says: “We are working really hard to grow the Aggie into a welcoming community hub for people of all ages in Bellfields and the wider Guildford community.

“Our regular weekly activities include our Monday coffee morning, golden tone exercise class, crochet, sew, Knit & Natter, Aggie’s Green Fingers gardening group, community lunch bunch, Empty Chairs social support group, bingo, dance fit, our clothes bank and Community Steps.

“We are also launching our Youth Café for children aged eight to 16, which will run on Mondays from 4pm to 6pm during term time, giving young people somewhere safe and welcoming to socialise, play pool and darts, listen to music and simply spend time together.

“Alongside our community groups, we are also trying to bring more entertainment and events into the venue. Upcoming events include Boogie Bingo, a children’s Halloween party, an adults’ Halloween party, ladies’ night and our Christmas events.

“One of the biggest things for us is trying to make the Aggie somewhere that really belongs to the community — whether somebody wants to come in for a coffee, meet new people, join a group, volunteer, attend an event or simply find somewhere welcoming to go.”

The Aggie Aggie Café and Community Hub is on Bellfields Road, Guildford GU1 1QG. For more details phone 07903 906288.

Help plan and assist with cooking at lunch club

Help is required one Friday a month from 9am to 3pm for a lunch club at Guildford United Reformed Church on Portsmouth Road.

The volunteer role is to help plan and assist with cooking.

This role is being promoted by Voluntary Action South West Surrey on behalf of the church.

For more details contact Voluntary Action’s Kate Jones by email to k.jones@vasws.org.uk or call on 07513 825132.

Trustee role at the Guildford Institute

The Guildford Institute in Ward Street has been in the heart of Guildford for more than 170 years.

It is a small charity providing cultural education to people in Guildford and beyond in an accessible and friendly environment, providing its members and visitors with opportunities to learn and build meaningful connections with others.

It is overseen by dedicated trustees, managed by an enthusiastic team and helped by wonderful volunteers. An additional trustee with human rescources experience is currently required.

This role is being promoted by Voluntary Action South West Surrey and for more details contact Voluntary Action’s Kate Jones by email to k.jones@vasws.org.uk or call on 07513 825132.

Volunteer secretary needed for Guildford in Bloom

The popular Guildford in Bloom garden competition is looking for a new secretary.

The time commitment is four to six hours per month, plus attending committee meetings.

The role ensures meetings are run efficiently, decisions are properly recorded, and members, volunteers and partners are kept informed.

Also, circulate draft minutes promptly and keep a record of actions agreed and who is responsible for them. Organise the annual meeting, including notices, nominations and the annual report.

Keep the group’s constitution, policies and governance documents up to date and accessible. Act as the first point of contact for general enquiries by email, post and phone. Previous experience as a secretary, administrator or committee member is desirable.

To express interest, send a short covering note outlining your relevant skills and why you would like to join, to chair@guildfordinbloom.com by Monday, November 23.

Informal conversations are welcome. Call Sallie Barker on 07798 575356.

Can you spare a few hours a week on a Thursday afternoon?

The wonderful Guildford Club for the Disabled really need help to make teas for their visitors.

They also need some assistance on their minibus, helping people on and off.

This is a wonderful place for people who don’t have the opportunity to get out much and they have great entertainment and lots of fun!

This role is being promoted by Voluntary Action South West Surrey and for more details contact Voluntary Action’s Kate Jones by email to k.jones@vasws.org.uk or call on 07513 825132.

Help bring local news to people with sight loss

FATN Talking News based in Farnham provides free audio recordings of local news and information for people with sight loss.

Volunteers help to read, record, edit and distribute weekly editions, ensuring listeners stay informed and connected to their local community.

Roles include: readers, engineers, a secretary and admin support.

Click here for a YouTube video that gives more details.

Drivers wanted for Godalming Good Neighbours

Drivers are wanted for Godalming Good Neighbours, to help people get to and from medical appointments, help with shopping or chat over a cuppa!

A volunteer organiser is also needed.

These roles are being promoted by Voluntary Action South West Surrey and for more details contact Voluntary Action’s Kate Jones by email to k.jones@vasws.org.uk or call on 07513 825132.

Paid job vacancy: Voluntary, community and social enterprise development officer

Voluntary Action South West Surrey is looking for an enthusiastic and approachable development officer to join its team, supporting voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across the boroughs of Guildfords and Waverley.

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are quite the same.

You could be helping a small community group think through its governance, advising an organisation on potential funding opportunities, bringing local organisations together through one of our networks, or working with partners to develop a new project in response to an identified community need.

For an informal discussion about the role contact Ian Ross on 07798 754027, or email to i.ross@vasws.org.uk

See poster below for more details.